Chicago White Sox: Multiple options at second base for 2022
By Chip Egan
The Chicago White Sox might finally land Eduardo Escobar ahead of the 2022 season.
Following Nick Madrigal’s departure, the rumor mill heated up about who would fill the void at second base. The Pirates’ Adam Frazier was a name brought up but much of the talk seemed to center around Arizona’s Eduardo Escobar. So much so that at one point it looked as though he was on his way to the southside.
However, all of that became moot when Frazier went to San Diego and Escobar went north to Milwaukee. But, Escobar’s stay in Milwaukee could be short-lived as the free agent is bound to have a number of clubs knocking on his door.
Between the Diamondbacks and Brewers, Escobar belted 28 homers with 90 RBI. His contribution to the Brew crew was six homers and a .268 batting average with an OPS of .800. Escobar played 42 games at second base this season and was more than serviceable at the position.
He made just one error in 124 chances while turning 15 double plays. He does add some depth at third where he played in 99 games and could also fill in at first where he made 18 appearances. With most of his time spent at the hot corner, he committed 11 miscues in 203 chances.
Entering his 12th year, Escobar has a career WAR of 12 with a slash line of .256/.309/.436. From 2014 to 2017, Escobar’s high watermark of games played was 133. However, since 2018, he played in 151, 158, 54 (2020 shortened season), and 146 games.
If signed, this would not be Escobar’s first time wearing a White Sox uniform. The 32 year old (turns 33 in January) began his career with the White Sox in 2011 and spent part of 2012 with the team before heading to Minnesota. He played in 45 games with the Sox and had 20 hits in 87 at-bats.